The name Sixers has been synonymous with excellence in AA ringette in Western Canada. Four National champions since 2000 have been Sixer teams. Several silver medalists have come from the same organization.
The nucleus of the 2001 Junior champions, 2002 Belle champions, 2003 Junior champions and 2006 Belle champions were all Sixer teams. The 2000 Junior and 2005 Belle finalists were also Sixers.
Where did these Sixer players go when they finished Belle? Although some left elite ringette, a significant number of Sixers have gone on to the NRL. Most of the former Sixers in the NRL are now members of the Winnipeg Prairie Fire. Sixers have not been a farm team for the Fire but it has seemed to work out that way.
Twelve current members of the Prairie Fire played for Sixers. Amongst the veterans, there are Andrea Ferguson, Michelle Madziak, Meredith Warner, Caroline Feasby, Sheena MacDonald, Ainsley Ferguson, Jessica Simpson and Dani Sykes. Among the rookies, Jill McGavin, Leah Montsion, Morgan Jones and Erin Roach have all worn Sixer colours. Even Lindsay Burns, Ashley Lutz and Sylvie Bohemier were picked by Sixer teams on the road to national gold.
Check the memorabilia of the Prairie Fire players and you will find nationals medals from their Sixer days.
A number of Prairie Fire players have given back to the Sixer organization as coaches. Andrea Ferguson has been a long time Belle coach with Sixers. Meredith Warner and Michelle Madziak coached both Tween and Junior for Sixers. Caroline Feasby also coached Tween and Junior Sixer teams other seasons.
Unfortunately, the Sixer organization has encountered some problems of late but many Sixer grads from the 90’s and 00’s remain active with the Prairie Fire.
